Alaska in July offers an unparalleled summer experience filled with endless daylight, breathtaking landscapes, and abundant wildlife. Traveling during the summer’s peak brings warmer weather but larger crowds and higher prices.
July temperatures in Alaska are the warmest of the year but vary across the state. In Southcentral Alaska, including Anchorage and Seward, visitors can expect temperatures ranging from 55°F to 70°F. On occasion, we’ve enjoyed low 80s in coastal areas in July.
July is an excellent month for a road trip, and Alaska offers many great driving routes. With warmer weather, foregoing a hotel stay and renting an RV is also an option.
Overview Of Alaska In Summer
Alaska’s warm July temperatures create ideal conditions for exploration. Coastal areas tend to be cooler and may experience some rainfall. So, it’s essential to pack for the changing climate when seeing Alaska by cruise ship.
Inland regions, like Fairbanks, can reach temperatures in the 70s°F or higher (20s°C). It’s wise to pack layers, as evenings can still be chilly. We recommend bringing a light jacket and rain gear to be prepared for varying conditions.
Since Alaska sees a lot of rain, mosquitoes are rampant this month. Bug repellent is a must for hiking and excursions near water. If you visit Alaska in August instead, the colder nights help to keep the pesky bugs at bay.
Daylight Hours And Summer Solstice
July offers extended daylight hours, perfect for maximizing outdoor adventures. Expect 21.5 hours of daylight in Anchorage and over 18 hours in Seward.
Fairbanks experiences the midnight sun phenomenon until late July, with 24-hour daylight. This abundant sunlight allows for late-night hikes, fishing trips, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Some tour operators offer late-night excursions. We took an evening ATV tour in Denali, which included a BBQ dinner.
Travel And Tourism
Alaska experiences its peak tourism season in July, drawing visitors with long daylight hours and comfortable temperatures.
What To Expect In Prime Tourism Season
Cruise ships operate at full capacity, bringing thousands of visitors to coastal towns and cities. Don’t expect an intimate Alaska adventure. Instead, ports are often crowded, especially when four or more vessels are docked.
We recommend booking accommodation, car rentals, and tours well in advance, as peak season can limit availability. Popular activities like dog sledding on glaciers, flightseeing, and glacier exploration tours fill up quickly.
Anchorage is a hub for many travelers. Its international airport is easy to reach from many cities. Arriving in Anchorage offers easy access to attractions like the Kenai Fjords, and Denali National Park.
Alaska cruises in July are particularly sought-after. These voyages typically include stops in scenic ports like Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway. Guests can witness glaciers calving, spot whales, and explore charming coastal communities.
For those seeking a more independent experience, renting a car or RV allows for flexible exploration of Alaska’s diverse landscapes. The Alaska Railroad also offers scenic train journeys connecting major destinations. One of Alaska’s best train routes is the one between Anchorage and Denali.
Accommodations And Lodging
The state offers a diverse range of lodging options. During peak tourist season, cruise lines often reserve many rooms in popular places. In Denali and Talkeetna, it may be difficult to find availability.
If accommodation is fully booked, staying in Cantwell or Healy is a good alternative to the Denali Park entrance area.
Hotels and lodges are more widely available in major cities like Anchorage and Fairbanks. Many provide comfortable amenities and serve as convenient bases for exploring nearby attractions.
Cabins and vacation rentals provide a home-away-from-home feel. They’re ideal for families or groups wanting extra space and kitchen facilities.
Hostels and campgrounds are available for budget-conscious travelers. These options allow visitors to save on accommodation and spend more on bucket-list activities.
Best Activities Alaska In July
July offers prime opportunities for outdoor adventures and wildlife encounters in the 49th state. Visitors can experience the state’s natural wonders and vibrant culture through the following activities.
Peak Season For Whale Watching
July marks the height of whale watching season in Alaska. We recommend heading to coastal areas like Juneau, Seward, or Icy Strait Point for optimal viewing.
Ready To Book A Whale Watching Tour?
- 🐋 Juneau Whale Watching Cruise with a naturalist and round-trip transfer from Mount Roberts Tram
- 🐋 Whale Watching in Hoonah with bonus Drone viewing of Whales with a personal guide (pickup, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks are all included)
- 🐋 Kenai Fjords Wildlife Cruise from Seward
Humpback whales are particularly active this time of year, often breaching and tail-slapping. While they can be seen from a cruise ship, a small boat tour allows for closer viewing. Orcas, gray whales, and minke whales can also be spotted.
Many tour operators offer whale-watching excursions combined with other activities. Whales are so plentiful in July that many operators offer whale sighting guarantees.
We’ve spotted humpbacks on tours such as the 26 Glacier Cruise in Whittier and the Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour in Ketchikan. Our orca sighting happened during the Ketchikan Wilderness Exploration & Crab Feast excursion.
Fishing
July is the prime fishing season in Alaska. Anglers can target various species in both freshwater and saltwater environments. Popular catches include salmon, halibut, rainbow trout, and Arctic char.
We recommend hiring a guide for the best fishing spots and local knowledge. Fishing charters are available in many coastal towns. For those on a budget, renting gear and purchasing a license in Ketchikan allows you to fish off the Stedman Bridge.
Ketchikan, the “Salmon Capital of the World,” is a great destination for halibut fishing. Southeast Alaska welcomes Coho salmon in July. Head to Bristol Bay for Sockeye, and Kenai River for both Sockeye and King salmon.
Remember to follow regulations and obtain the necessary fishing licenses to ensure sustainable practices.
Hiking
There’s no better month for hiking in Alaska than July. Milder weather, extended daylight, and drier months often provide popular routes with little mud.
Pack mosquito repellent, bear spray, and a day pack to make the most of an outing. Trails in many coastal areas range from easy, family-friendly walks to more strenuous treks like the Chilkoot Trail which travels through Alaska and Canada.
Some notable hiking destinations include:
- Denali National Park.
- Chugach State Park.
- Kenai Peninsula.
We recommend packing layers, sturdy boots, and taking a waterproof jacket. Check trail conditions and difficulty levels before setting out.
For a unique experience, consider a guided hike on a glacier or through alpine meadows filled with wildflowers.
July Provides Great Calving Action
Summer sees increased glacier calving activity, offering spectacular views of massive ice chunks breaking off into the water. This natural phenomenon is both impressive and awe-inspiring.
While glacier calving can be seen at any tidewater glacier, Hubbard Glacier in Disenchantment Bay offers the best action.
Other top locations for glacier viewing include Margerie Glacier In Glacier Bay, Sawyer Glacier in Tracy Arm Fjord, and Harvard Glacier in College Fjord.
We suggest boat tours for the best vantage points if you’re not on a cruise ship. Remember to bring warm layers and rain gear, as temperatures near glaciers can be chilly even in summer.
Kayaking Adventures
Kayaking offers a unique way to explore Alaska’s stunning coastline and fjords. July’s warmer temperatures and long daylight hours make it an ideal time for paddling adventures.
Popular kayaking destinations on the Kenai Peninsula or Prince William Sound vary from day tours for novice paddlers to multi-day adventures. Kayaking excursions in Sitka allow sea otter viewing since Sitka Sound has the largest species concentration.
Canoe tours on Mendenhall Lake offer a close encounter with the glacier’s toe. You’ll paddle by large icebergs along the way and get a lake view of the thunderous Nugget Falls.
Glacier Bay National Park is another place to go kayaking, but it’s reserved for the experienced. Multi-day tour packages include gear and drop-off and pick-up in the UNESCO site. During your paddle, watch for marine wildlife, including sea otters, seals, and porpoises.
Bears Sightings At Brooks Falls
Sockeye salmon are plentiful in Brooks River in summer. The abundance of spawning salmon attracts both avid anglers and brown bears. Brooks Falls has become so popular that it now features a bear cam in summer. The webcam streams live in summer and plays a recording in winter.
Viewing platforms provide safe spots to observe bears fishing and interacting. We recommend booking well in advance, as visitor numbers are limited.
For the best experience, plan to stay overnight rather than do a day visit, as a multi-day adventure capitalizes on viewing opportunities. Bring a telephoto lens for photography. Finally, remember to follow all park regulations and safety guidelines.
Festivals And Events
July in Alaska is filled with vibrant festivals and events celebrating local culture and traditions. Notable events include:
- Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival.
- Girdwood Forest Fair.
- Anchorage Mayor’s Marathon.
Many Alaskan destinations host Fourth of July celebrations with parades, fireworks, and games. We’ve attended one in Skagway, where its craziest event was the “slowest bicycle race.” During the day, decorated buildings and costumed locals brought the Gold Rush town to life.
Rafting Tours
July’s warmer temperatures make it an excellent time for rafting on Alaska’s rivers. Options range from gentle float trips to exhilarating whitewater expeditions.
We recommend choosing a trip that matches your experience level and desired thrill factor. Many outfitters provide all necessary gear and safety equipment.
Nenana River near Denali and Talkeetna River offer rafting adventures in Interior Alaska. Kenai River on the Kenai Peninsula and Copper River in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park provides similar excursions.
If seeking a gentler excursion, the Mendenhall Glacier Float in Juneau and Taiya River in Skagway are good choices. Neither option requires participants to paddle. It’s an opportunity to ride and enjoy the fantastic scenery and wildlife.
Cultural Experiences
Alaska’s rich cultural heritage comes alive in July. We encourage visitors to immerse themselves in the diverse traditions of Alaska’s indigenous peoples.
Many communities host events showcasing Native Alaskan art, dance, and music. The Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage offers a glimpse into the state’s 11 major cultural groups.
Local festivals abound in July, celebrating everything from salmon to gold rush history. Independence Day festivities take on a uniquely Alaskan flair in towns across the state.
Art lovers will find galleries featuring Alaskan artists in major cities and small towns. Keep an eye out for pieces incorporating traditional Native Alaskan motifs.
Culinary adventurers can sample local delicacies at summer markets. Fresh seafood, wild berries, and regional specialties offer an authentic taste of Alaska.
Museums throughout the state provide insights into Alaska’s natural and cultural history. The University of Alaska Museum of the North in Fairbanks is a must-visit for its extensive collections.
